tropical storms

Question 2

what is a storm surge?

Answer 2

a rapid rise in sea level causing a build up of water at the coast

Question 3

give 3 features tropical storms need to form

Answer 3

1. needs an ocean at least 70m deep
2. needs a sea of at least 27 degrees celsius
3. needs to be located 5-20 degrees N or S of the equator

Question 4

what are cumulonimbus clouds?

Answer 4

towering dense clouds which form from vapour in the lower atmosphere

Question 5

give a step by step of how tropical storms form

Answer 5

1. 27 degree sea water rises, creating an area of low pressure, drawing surrounding air, creating wind
2. the rising air condenses and forms cumulonimbus clouds
3. the cumulonimbus clouds form the eye wall with intense wind and rain
4. the coriolis effect causes the storm to spin around the eye
5. cold air sinks in the centre of the eye creating a dry eye
6. eastern winds push the storm west
7. the storm gains energy as it travels over water

Question 6

what is the saffir simpson scale?

Answer 6

a 5 point scale which measures the wind speed of storms

Question 7

what is classified as a major storm on the saffir simpson scale?

Answer 7

cat 3 (178kmh) and above

Question 8

give 2 ways climate change impacts tropical storms

Answer 8

1. increases intensity due to higher precipitation
2. reduces frequency